Elliotts seek seven new apprentices following successful scheme

Independent builders merchant, Elliotts, has announced plans to recruit seven new apprentices after successfully developing four local candidates into full time employment during the past year.
Last year’s apprentices, Sam Bull, Georgia Morris, Bradley Gale and Joshua Isles worked in tool centres and builders merchant branches across the south and secured full time employment at Elliotts.

Georgia Morris was even named as a finalist in the Family Business Apprentice of the Year Awards 2015.

After taking on apprentices for the first time in 2014, the builders merchant has expanded its scheme to welcome new apprentices across seven branches and tool centres including Portsmouth tool centre, Winchester tool centre, Totton, Fordingbridge, Bishops Waltham and Chandlers Ford.

Mireille Nicholson, Elliotts’ HR manager, said: “We’ve found that the apprenticeship scheme has been beneficial for everyone involved. The apprentices got to learn while they earned and it proved to be a very viable alternative to A-levels and university for them. Their mentors loved having them in the store, providing fresh ideas and giving members of staff a chance to pass on their own knowledge.

“We are facing a challenge industry-wide to attract younger people to work in the builders merchants sector. We are keen to develop local school and college leavers, offering them room for progression upon completion of their apprenticeship. If they have previous customer service skills it would be a bonus, but ultimately we are looking for people with a willingness to put the Elliotts customer first.”

The apprenticeships last for one year with training provided by DIDAC, allowing young people to work towards nationally recognised qualifications and develop professional, industry-recognised skills whilst earning a wage.

Over 12 months, assessors attend the various branches to train and develop candidates, all development done on site.